Solidarity-statement of the Organization for Women’s Self-Reliance in support of YPJ

The Organization for Women’s Self-Reliance announced its full support for the Women’s Protection Units (YPJ) and emphasized that the decision by Ahmed al-Sharaa not to recognize these units represents, in its view, a continuation of an “ISIS-like” mindset. The organization stressed that women have the right, like men, to bear arms and defend their dignity and their society. As part of a broad campaign, the organization renewed its support for the YPJ and issued an official statement reaffirming its position:

“The dissolution of the armed forces of the Women’s Protection Units: An ISIS mindset in disguise!“

The organization emphasized that if the decision had concerned the dissolution of all armed militias without exception, it could have been evaluated differently. However, specifically targeting this force indicates, in its view, an anti-women attitude.

It further stated that this tendency reflects a traditional perspective that confines women’s roles to domestic tasks and does not accept women taking on military or defensive roles.

The organization stressed that the issue is not only the existence of the Women’s Protection Units, but that they are being labeled through what it describes as a “backward mindset,” which diminishes the status of women and denies them the opportunity to play their role in defending themselves and their society.

The organization also expressed its opposition to the decision on two main grounds:

First: It stated that Syria is confronted with numerous armed militias of religious or political backgrounds, many of which have committed violations against civilians and have caused insecurity and fear in various regions. In this context, targeting a women’s force that played a role in fighting ISIS and protecting civilians is seen as a continuation of the same policies that the Syrian people have suffered from for years. It also questioned why the YPJ is being singled out while other forces across the country are not.

Second: The organization argued that opposition to women bearing arms can only be interpreted as a sign of an extremist or “ISIS-like” mindset, one that confines women’s roles to the household and rejects their participation in defending society. This perspective does not recognize women as actors capable of self-defense or of contributing to security and protection.

At the end of the statement, the organization strongly condemned the decision to dissolve the YPJ, describing it as a regression in women’s rights. It reaffirmed that women, like men, have the right to bear arms and defend their dignity and their society, especially under complex conditions where many armed groups exist.

Finally, the organization called on all forces, individuals, and organizations that advocate for human rights and women’s rights to stand against this decision, openly reject it, and support women’s right to actively participate in the defense of society.